Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in the cannabis industry? Our Purchasing Assistant, Jacob Thompson, provides some unique insights into the gig.
What’s your favorite thing about working at The Fire Station?
I like working at The Fire Station because the term “work family” is an understatement here. It’s just easy to work with everybody. I love the industry I’m in. I love the people I work with. I love the job and the constant challenge to do better, because every day really is a new challenge.
What’s your role at The Fire Station?
As the Purchasing Assistant, I keep track of inventory to make sure we have the correct supplies at each of our locations; communicate with vendors on ordering products; and fix any discrepancies.
Can you tell us about a vendor interaction that stands out to you?
Recently, I had a vendor come and meet me who knew that I had just had a baby and they brought a shirt for my son with his name on it and another for me. I thought that was pretty genuine.
What's your favorite way to consume?
My favorite way to consume is definitely concentrates; specifically a torch and nail style rig.
What do you like about concentrates?
I like the process from start to finish. I like organizing and going through it all. I like switching it up each time by using different accessories, bangers, rigs, sometimes different torches. I’m able to tweak it and have a lot of fun with it.
What advice would you give someone who has never used concentrates before?
First, if you don’t consume at all and you’re starting with concentrates, I would tell you to tread with caution. Not in a scary way, just be very careful when you’re doing it. You can over consume a lot easier with concentrates than with flower. If you are already consuming cannabis, even if you’re a heavy consumer, making the transition from flower to concentrates is almost like starting over. It’s going to feel like smoking for the first time again, because it’s much different even if you smoke every day, all day and you’re smoking 20-30% flower on average. With concentrates, you’re making a jump from 30% to upwards of 90% THC.
Why did you choose to work in the cannabis industry?
Cannabis was introduced to me relatively early in my life. As I got older, I knew it was a passion of mine, but I never knew what it would look like in terms of a legitimate job or career opportunity. By the time I finished my first year of college, the cannabis industry had officially become legal in
Michigan and that’s when I knew it was the time to get in.
Being able to thrive in the industry, see growth, and show people that the cannabis industry is more than just the stigma they have known it to be is absolutely awesome.
What is a common misconception people have about working at a cannabis retail establishment?
A misconception may be that the job will be simple and laid back. Although everyone knows one of the coolest jobs out there is getting to sell cannabis, there are actually a load of state compliance standards and expectations that staff have to incorporate in their everyday performance, which requires them to be aware and on their toes at all times.
Another misconception is the type of customers you would expect to see — we see ALL walks of life, and get to assist them and be present during the happiest part of their day, which is buying their cannabis products! Part of the job that turns out to be one of the best parts is hearing customers’ stories and building relationships with returning customers so you know exactly what they are looking for when they enter the building.
What did you least expect about working in cannabis?
Similar to my previous response, the strict State regulations. Nearly every action we perform as a company is regulated by Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA).
Another unexpected benefit about working in cannabis is the opportunity to meet and network with the coolest people. It is not like any other job I have had. The cannabis family is not only a group of consumers, they are also motivated, talented, productive and personable business people. Business discussions stem from passion and care for the product, you don’t see that passion in other industries very often!
What is something you would say to someone coming into The Fire Station for the first time?
Be ready for a warm welcome and don’t be shy with your questions. Our budtenders strive to make sure you are getting the products and the effects you are looking for. They are all well versed when it comes to cannabis, product types, potency, dosing, textures, flavors, and more. They will evaluate your past experience with cannabis to gauge your tolerance, and even question you on things like your consumption preferences (if you prefer inhalation versus digestion) in order to really narrow down their recommendation of which product they think best fits your needs! Our budtenders love to assist in this way and share their knowledge to facilitate the best cannabis experience for you!
What do you like about living in the UP?
I have a list of reasons on why I love living in the UP but I will keep it short and just touch on a few. One of my favorite parts is traveling all over the UP. It’s always a beautiful view and every town is so welcoming. The UP is a very clean and safe environment. There are some places you can go where you get to enjoy the beauty by yourself and you are the only person in the world who gets to enjoy that space at that time; you don’t run into something like that often. There is always something to do in the UP.
Take the High Road with The Fire Station's Fall 2023 Catalog
Fall into fall with The Fire Station’s 2023 catalog. Explore a guide to Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula in the crisp fall season, meet our newest location in Menominee, check out new and noteworthy products, find a fall-inspired cannabis recipe, and much more.
Featured articles:
- Take the High Road
- Meet Menominee
- Uplift’N Spotlight
- Meet the Fire Fam: Jacob Thompson
- New & Noteworthy Products
- T.H.C. Spotlight
- Cooking with Cannabis: Infused Pumpkin Bread
- Quiz: Which TFS Location to Try Next
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